Politic-ATL: Atlanta creates water outage recovery fund
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Welcome back to Atlanta City Hall. This week, lawmakers crafted legislation concerning the city's recent water outage, among other vital issues.
🚰 Water relief: The Atlanta City Council on Monday created a $7.5 million recovery fund to assist small businesses that were adversely affected by the water outage earlier this month.
- The application process will open June 24. Application information is available on the Invest Atlanta website.
- Meanwhile, WSBTV reports Atlanta will receive $993,500 in federal funds to review the city's aging water infrastructure.
⏸️ AMC: The City Council OK'd plans to extend Mayor Andre Dickens' moratorium until October on any development proposals for the 25-acre site of the former Atlanta Medical Center.
🤝 More trails: Atlanta is partnering with the PATH Foundation nonprofit to build 4.4 miles of trails through multiple neighborhoods across northwest Atlanta.
🛴 Scooter news: Atlanta is extending its annual one-year permits for shareable dockless mobility devices, such as scooters and e-bikes, to June 30, 2025.
🛝 Recreation: Atlanta is going to spend an additional $510,000 to build new playgrounds at 70 Boulevard Pedal Park and Benteen Park.
🌳 Green plan: The City Council wants a $5 million federal grant to create the city's first comprehensive urban forest master plan.
🇺🇸 Immigration: The City Council is considering a $250,000 contract for its program that provides food, shelter, and services to people who are awaiting the outcome of their immigrant proceedings after they entered the U.S. through the southwestern border.
🏠 Housing: The City Council is considering the creation of an Atlanta Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program. It would begin with a $250,000 trust fund.
🏘️ Speaking of housing: The City Council wants to donate $250,000 each to the Atlanta Police Foundation and the Westside Future Fund.
- The APF donation would support the nonprofit's program that provides in-city housing subsidies to Atlanta's first responders.
- The Westside Future Fund donation would support efforts to expand homeowner rehab and down payment assistance programs in the English Avenue neighborhood.
🏡 Final housing update: The City Council also wants to donate $200,000 to the Star-C Corporation, a nonprofit that oversees an eviction diversion program.
- Star-C has prevented the displacement of over 220 families since December 2023, according to the city.